Your answers show you may be beginning to experience some of the early signs of perimenopause.
WTF?! Are you serious?
I hear you! But hold up, don't freak out if this is all super new to you. Many women don't know that there's this period of time before menopause, called perimenopause. It's not talked about, it's swept under the rug and women are left to just work things out for themselves. And that sucks.
According to University of British Columbia Endocrinology Professor, Dr. Jerilynn Prior who is a leading researcher and expert on this, she says perimenopause usually starts around 45, but can begin in women as young as 35, even when they're still having regular menstrual cycles. So it's time that we started talking about it - right?!
As you can now see, these mish mash of things you've been experiencing are NOT simply in your head and now is the time to put yourself on the top of your own to-do list. It's time for you to start taking care of yourself.
Optimising your health as you lead into menopause allows you to be in the drivers seat, to be your own advocate and to feel more confident about the choices you make.
Three Things You Can Do Immediately To Start Improving Your Quality of Life and Your Experience of Perimenopause
keep a journal
I highly recommend that you start keeping a journal that tracks all of your symptoms and concerns. This is the most effective way to become an expert of your own body and arms you with the tools you will need, and empowers you to, visit your doctor and share with them all information you've gathered.
For example if you can share with them any changes in your period, the regularity of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and any other symptoms, you and your doctor can then make decisions as a team.
talk to your doctor
Engage in an open conversation with your doctor, however do be prepared that not all doctors and healthcare professionals are experienced with women's health, particularly when it comes to perimenopause and menopause. And as a result, they may be reluctant to consider this as a possibility for you.
However if you go along to the appointment prepared, as outlined in step 1 above, you give them the opportunity to be open to working with you and supporting you.
And if they aren't. Then get proactive and seek out referrals to doctors and professionals that are supportive and more experienced with women's health issues. Be your own health advocate.
reconsider your lifestyle
Let's be brutally honest, you've probably realised that what worked for you 10 years ago... doesn't work anymore. Even if you've resisted making any changes yet. And this is one of the biggest mistakes that I see women in their 40's make.
Your body is changing and so too must your approach to your nutrition, exercise, body image, mental health and your selfcare. Now is the time to educate yourself (and hey, taking this quiz has been a great first step! So do keep hanging out with me as I share as much info as I can to make your life easier!).
Stop letting this stuff mess with you, strap yourself into the drivers seat and let me show you how you can thrive in midlife.
And who am I to tell you this?
I’m Sonya Lovell. I’m a Menopause Coach who helps women in perimenopause understand what's going on, why and what they do about it.
